Ask your cooperating teacher about their class policies. How do they introduce their policies and enforce them throughout the year? Obtain a copy of any handouts about policies or safety from the first week of class.
Observations:
On Tuesday, Mrs. Wolslegel, the chair of the science department at North Kingstown High School, showed me around the science wing and introduced me to my two cooperating teachers. She provided me with a copy of the student handbook, a pamphlet on the ninth grade science project, a current school year calendar for NK, a calendar of rotating periods for the year, and a copy of all the teachers and classes begin taught this semester. I will be working with Mr. Browne for biology and he gave me a copy of his syllabus. The syllabus, aside from a breakdown of topics for the year, includes his grading system, homework policy and "what to bring to class everyday" policy. Mr. Browne does not accept classwork or homework late, but will accept project and labs late with a deduction of 10% per school day. It is expected that each student bring their textbook, 3-ring binder with loose leaf, a calculator, a pen and pencil, and colored pencils, markers or crayons to every class. Safety policies are addressed when needed at the beginning of each lab. Since we were in the computer lab, Mr. Browne was able to show me the completely electronic grading system the school uses. Attendance and all grades are recorded on the system, which has many back-ups so there is no need to worry about losing anything. I then met Ms. Parvo who only teaches freshmen earth science, and she was very excited to have me come into her class. We unfortunately did not get a chance to talk long, but she emailed me a copy of her classroom expectations. The expectations include creating a positive learning environment, being prepared to do your best work by being prepared, turning in work that is 100% your own, feel comfortable communicating with her, turning in completed homework at the beginning of class on the day it is due, being responsible for all assignments (especially if you are absent), and behaving in a way that is conducive to the class process. Each section asks students to voice their opinion about the expectation, say how they will meet the expectation, or how they will adjust in order to meet the expectation. Ms. Parvo has both her students and their parents sign that they read and understand the expectations of her classroom. Before leaving, Mrs. Wolslegel provided me with a copy of the biology textbook Mr. Browne uses and the first book in a series that Ms. Parvo uses with her class.
Reflection:
So far my experience at NKHS has been wonderful. The school is gorgeous and the faculty are all very welcoming and helpful. Being a newer school, all the science classrooms are fully equipped with lab benches and technology. Mrs. Wolslegel was very helpful in showing me around and introducing me to everyone, along with providing me with all the necessary schedules and textbooks. Mr. Browne was just getting over being sick, so he was feeling under the weather and wasn't very talkative or enthusiastic. I was, however, able to tell that his students respond to him well and like him as a teacher. Mr. Browne seems to be laid back and up for new ideas. He already offered me resources to help plan lessons, and encouraged me to make use of the computer labs, technology and science labs. I am looking forward to meeting the healthy Mr. Browne next time! Ms. Parvo is very energetic and is excited to have me working with her. I really liked her outline of class policies and the way she asked for student input. I could tell her class was considerate of her expectations and respected her. I think Ms. Parvo will be a great CT because she is very willing to help me out with whatever she can and is already showing me great support. I look forward to going back to NKHS and learning more about my CTs and getting to know my students.
Observation/Reflection #0: Class Policies
Ask your cooperating teacher about their class policies. How do they introduce their policies and enforce them throughout the year? Obtain a copy of any handouts about policies or safety from the first week of class.Observations:
On Tuesday, Mrs. Wolslegel, the chair of the science department at North Kingstown High School, showed me around the science wing and introduced me to my two cooperating teachers. She provided me with a copy of the student handbook, a pamphlet on the ninth grade science project, a current school year calendar for NK, a calendar of rotating periods for the year, and a copy of all the teachers and classes begin taught this semester. I will be working with Mr. Browne for biology and he gave me a copy of his syllabus. The syllabus, aside from a breakdown of topics for the year, includes his grading system, homework policy and "what to bring to class everyday" policy. Mr. Browne does not accept classwork or homework late, but will accept project and labs late with a deduction of 10% per school day. It is expected that each student bring their textbook, 3-ring binder with loose leaf, a calculator, a pen and pencil, and colored pencils, markers or crayons to every class. Safety policies are addressed when needed at the beginning of each lab. Since we were in the computer lab, Mr. Browne was able to show me the completely electronic grading system the school uses. Attendance and all grades are recorded on the system, which has many back-ups so there is no need to worry about losing anything. I then met Ms. Parvo who only teaches freshmen earth science, and she was very excited to have me come into her class. We unfortunately did not get a chance to talk long, but she emailed me a copy of her classroom expectations. The expectations include creating a positive learning environment, being prepared to do your best work by being prepared, turning in work that is 100% your own, feel comfortable communicating with her, turning in completed homework at the beginning of class on the day it is due, being responsible for all assignments (especially if you are absent), and behaving in a way that is conducive to the class process. Each section asks students to voice their opinion about the expectation, say how they will meet the expectation, or how they will adjust in order to meet the expectation. Ms. Parvo has both her students and their parents sign that they read and understand the expectations of her classroom. Before leaving, Mrs. Wolslegel provided me with a copy of the biology textbook Mr. Browne uses and the first book in a series that Ms. Parvo uses with her class.Reflection:
So far my experience at NKHS has been wonderful. The school is gorgeous and the faculty are all very welcoming and helpful. Being a newer school, all the science classrooms are fully equipped with lab benches and technology. Mrs. Wolslegel was very helpful in showing me around and introducing me to everyone, along with providing me with all the necessary schedules and textbooks. Mr. Browne was just getting over being sick, so he was feeling under the weather and wasn't very talkative or enthusiastic. I was, however, able to tell that his students respond to him well and like him as a teacher. Mr. Browne seems to be laid back and up for new ideas. He already offered me resources to help plan lessons, and encouraged me to make use of the computer labs, technology and science labs. I am looking forward to meeting the healthy Mr. Browne next time! Ms. Parvo is very energetic and is excited to have me working with her. I really liked her outline of class policies and the way she asked for student input. I could tell her class was considerate of her expectations and respected her. I think Ms. Parvo will be a great CT because she is very willing to help me out with whatever she can and is already showing me great support. I look forward to going back to NKHS and learning more about my CTs and getting to know my students.